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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Is Charles Stanley Speaking For The Tea Party?

I hope not! I'm sorry that Dr. Charles Stanley decided to leave the pulpit and take to the political arena....For years I have loved and respected his teaching...But I can truly say that I was disappointed with his 4th of July rantsermon.

In his July 4th rant sermon, Dr. Charles Stanley who's the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, spoke on “Turning the Tide.”The primary focus of his rant sermon was the clash between Christianity and Socialism...Dr. Stanley seems to think this is the only generation that have or will leave debt for the next generation....I would like to believe every generation has/have left debt for the next generation.

I believe if the tide of this country is going to turn it’s going to be done by the people of this country....Honestly, when has God ever stepped in supernaturally to change the tide of a country?God allows a people to reap what they sow...If you sow evil, hatred and discord....You're going to reap evil, hatred and discord...Yes God gives us plenty of wisdom when we repent and ask.. .I personally see this rant sermon as nothing but an attack on President Obama and what his administration is trying to do to help the country in these evil days...Dr. Stanley never mentioned the president by name but it's very clear whom he's referring to throughout his rant of a sermon...I don't believe this rant has any thing to do with Christ.... But every thing to do with alarming/fear and nonsense in a certain group of people( Tea Party) I like Dr. Stanley in the pulpit and not as a tea party group leader...He should leave that to Glenn Beck.

27 comments
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Many ministers are pointing fingers outside the Body of Christ, when some of the real issues of sin in the church and what is being reaped is not being addressed. Many ministers love to us tags such as "socialism" etc. so people can talk about others while still not looking in the mirror. I dare say, most of the government action or inaction religious folks complain about are things the church is mandated to do (Matthew 25), but has failed miserably. Few church now do any ministering to prisons, homeless, hungry, naked, or sick. These ministers need to lead their congregations to repent. Most people are long tired of another prayer initiative that is nothing but political positioning with no spiritual awakening of the mostly dead church.

Bluebutterfly, I have to concur. Too many folks complain about 'The World' but fail to do our duty as believers. If anything, Christians should be the first and foremost advocates for the poor and oppressed. But, 'we' are often of the side of the hateful, the vengeful and the powerful. Or we rant about 'gonadal' politics. It still burns me that a woman would sue her church over gay marriage but probably turned a blind eye for 30 years to urban decay and corruption.

Even though Dr. Stanley is an excellent teacher, he dropped the ball with this one. As christians, we have to remember that GOD will take care of us in a famine, so we shouldn't fear when times get rough. This is the time for us to exercise the faith that we tell ourselves and others that we possess. The teachers, elders and leaders of the Christian church be a source of encouragement at all times especially during rough times. I will continue to pray for Dr. Stanley.

Honestly, a lot of the things we see that have caused the situation we're sitting in now were implicitly or explicitly supported by the church. Once the church (and I speak VERY generally and loosely) found power in backing politicians, it's been downhill from there.

I detest when pastors allow politics to sully the pulpit. There is a way to speak about the issues of the day without making it about politics. For too long churches have been using (and used by) politics to further agendas that are way outside of anything that has to do with the Kingdom. I absolutely can't stand to see it done.

The reason I detest it so is that rarely do I see pastors looking for real candidates who effect real change for their parishoners. Too many who allow themselves to be taken in pretend it's about the Body and about the church when it's really about short term personal gains. Ends don't justify means in these cases.

I think Charles Stanley is a great teacher yet he deviated away from the true focus of church and that is God. I don't want to hear worldly rants from the church. He needs to think if Jesus would approve of his rants. I doubt it. This was a money changer in the temple situation. I agree with mk. White people are having a problem and we know it is with the black president. No one wants to blame Bush for destroying the economy, racking up debt,bankrupting SSA, starting wars, putting this country in the worst deficit it has ever seen and much much more. He needs to be reminded that church is for and about God only. Take these worldly messages some where else.

I'm surprised by this too. But we have to remember that these pastors are people, with a cultural backdrop. He's a southerner, right? I'm not surprised by his stance on "Americanism". They definitely are going through a shift, and Obama is the cause. Socialism? Or justice as Jesus preached?

I suspect that most of these comments are posted by those not spending enough time in their own Bible. Rather than react so quickly to a very well respected and revered Pastor, why not search your own heart and consult the Holy Spirit regarding your convictions? Are you sure you want to suggest that "Honestly, when has God ever stepped in supernaturally to change the tide of a country?" This shows ignorance of both the Bible and of God's nature, therefore seriously reducing your credibility with anyone reading your opinions.

I am just wondering if any of you really listen to what Dr. Stanley was preaching about. Major points of his sermon.The corrupted government that we as a people have voted in. I don't recall him lobby for anyone?? I do recall that it's our responsibility to vote in honorable people. Think about this. How many have been in office for over 20 years? Those are the ones who have put this country into this sad state it is now.

It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves. Not the US Government. We are suppose to work as we are working for God.

Spreading the wealth of the people. So everyone is willing to give up something and let our corrupt government feed the poor? Cloth the Naked?? Hog wash! I will take my money and go feed someone and talk about Christ! Is that not what our Lord has taught us to do?

Mark my words in less then 5 years it will be a crime to be a Christian.

It sounds like a lot of people commenting didn't mention any specific facts about the sermon they disagree with. If you want to challenge Pastor Stanley, challenge him Biblically. Basically Mr. Obama states he believes in collective salvation, completely opposite of what the Bible teaches. Oh to have MLK here today. People need to learn this country's history..the real history - INCLUDING all of the black founders that our education system don't think are relevant.

@Both Anonymous, If Charles Stanley had made that speech at a Tea Party or other political event, I wouldn't have a problem with it...Once again let me make this clear, I've been listening to Charles Stanley for over 20 years teach the Bible...And most likely will continue to listen to him teach because he's a great Bible teacher...But I don't agree with this sermon. I take issue with his choice of venue for expression "his" opinion....Charles Stanley gave a political speech as a sermon...Point blank... There is no place in the Bible that states that our country should be capitalist or a democracy.

I believe the church needs to separate itself from "Conservative Politics and the Tea Party"

WOW ! THIS CRAZY ! Honest to God, some white christians won't even talk 2 me now, and I've voted republican 4 years ! Where was all this righteous indignation when Tom Delay & Ralph Reed helped Jack Abramoff profit on forced abortions on american Saipan ? Dobson wrote, "Tom Delay was kicked out of office bec he was a good conservative." The rel. Right blatantly plays both sides of the abortion issue. I could give numerous blatant examples. Charles Stanley has been a 'how to' preacher more than a Christ & Cross centered preacher. He brings in the Cross & Christ, but not the way John Piper or Conrad Mbewe does. Both anynonomous sound like typical rel. Right apartheid supporting racist. I am so tired of them.

Another thing, where was all this integrity after his divorce. He told his church if he divorced he would step down. He pointed the finger at everyone at the religiious broadcasters meeting & said "If your house & family isn't right you shouldn't be preaching." That's why Chuck Colson was so hard on him. The problem is with the church & what do you expect from the world. Moody radio had Ralph Reed on the radio befor the election evaluating Obama. Reed ripped churches & native tribes off & never repented ! I like the way evangel. Say Dahmer, Bundy, Son of Sam are christians, but Obama couldn't possibly be. Lol

Another thing, where was all this integrity after his divorce. He told his church if he divorced he would step down. He pointed the finger at everyone at the religiious broadcasters meeting & said "If your house & family isn't right you shouldn't be preaching." That's why Chuck Colson was so hard on him. The problem is with the church & what do you expect from the world. Moody radio had Ralph Reed on the radio befor the election evaluating Obama. Reed ripped churches & native tribes off & never repented ! I like the way evangel. Say Dahmer, Bundy, Son of Sam are christians, but Obama couldn't possibly be. Lol

The southern baptist are undoing all good reconciliation they have done between blacks and whites. Albert Mohler has said , basically, Hati deserved that earthquake. Peoples true colors are coming out.

Some of the comments here just sent me into a blazing tailspin! I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I am also a caucasian, female INDEPENDENT voter. If Charles Stanley had preached a pro-Obama message half (or more) of the African American comments would be 100% different and IN SUPPORT of this sermon.

I am so SICK AND TIRED of hearing this lame argument that all white people are against Obama BECAUSE he is a black man! PUHLEESE people?! Is that your BEST argument?

It is your ONLY argument - and that argument is completely untrue.

I agree with someone else who suggested the comments against Stanley are speculative and completely irrational/unjustified. Rather than poke at Charles Stanley, and assume he is referring and singling out Barack Obama (despite the fact he never once mentioned Obama's name) how about back up your stance Biblically.

You're so focused on the color of your skin...YES, I said it - the color of your skin, the past ignorance of our society (slavery, etc.) that you have a personal vendetta against anyone who disagrees with a black man (or woman's) worldview!

This is about a clash of WORLDVIEWS, not racism! This is about the fact that the Bible says debt is enslavement to others, namely Satan! The lame argument that passing debt from generation to generation is somehow culturally normal because it has ALWAYS BEEN DONE is contrary to God's Word - not Stanley's opinion - but our Father's WORD.

MLK's legacy has been totally distorted by modern-day, seemingly-secular themes that contradict the very God MLK served!

I urge you all to stop laying blame and using racism as a crutch for all your arguments. Put all that aside and consider the facts - those who are concerned about this nation's mounting debt know that this isn't God's will for anyone, let alone an entire country! God has been merciful on our nation time and again but if we don't start following the basic principles God has given us, for our own BENEFIT, we are going to leave a horrible legacy of poverty for the next generations. Wake up and stop assuming this is an anti-black, racist issue when that couldn't be farther from the truth!

Whose responsibility is it to care for the poor and weary? GOD. Not government, but God, through His people and His Body of believers is to meet the needs of those who are suffering. When we put responsibility onto government to do the work it was never intended to do - we push God's responsibility onto those who were never meant to bear that responsibility! Think about that, and recognize that there is, and NEVER WILL BE, a true separation of church and state! All theories and all law is rooted in some form of religious belief. Period.

@Anonymous like I mention in the post. I have been a fan of Charles Stanley for many years but I truly believe he miss the mark with this particular sermon. If some of the comments sent you in a tailspin so be it.

"If Charles Stanley had preached a pro-Obama message half (or more) of the African American comments would be 100% different and IN SUPPORT of this sermon" How do you know that to be true? Every African American don't support Obama. I'm just one of the many who do.

"I am so SICK AND TIRED of hearing this lame argument that all white people are against Obama BECAUSE he is a black man! PUHLEESE people?! Is that your BEST argument?"

Who said all white folks were against Obama? It sure wasn't me but I do believe these three plus you have a problem with Obama: Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and Franklin Graham.

"You're so focused on the color of your skin...YES, I said it - the color of your skin, the past ignorance of our society (slavery, etc.) that you have a personal vendetta against anyone who disagrees with a black man (or woman's) worldview"

Ignorance is when you think you can tell me how and what to focus on.I don't have any thing personal against any one who don't support Obama. That's freedom of choice.

"This is about a clash of WORLDVIEWS, not racism! This is about the fact that the Bible says debt is enslavement to others, namely Satan! The lame argument that passing debt from generation to generation is somehow culturally normal because it has ALWAYS BEEN DONE is contrary to God's Word - not Stanley's opinion - but our Father's WORD."

What you and Charles Stanley are pushing is flat out racism. If not why didn't (next generations)we here about this before Obama took office? Spare me please! We all know what the Bible says about the poor.

I agree and I was in church that Sunday in July hen Dr Stanley gave his 140 day speech. I was very disappointed that he used the pulpit to discuss politics, socialism and not The Word. I love him as a preacher/teacher/ But his political views are very Glenn Beck type.

I'm beginning to wonder it we are now seeing come form the shadows the real Dr Charles Stanley? ABRAHAM LINCOLN said "Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

If we look beyond the man and look at the people in leadership position at First Baptist. i do not see any People of Color in the Administration of First Baptist or even In Touch Ministries. Plenty of People of Color, Black, Latino, Asian, etc in service roles of Ushers, Parking attendants, Maintenance etc. Is he revealing his real character? Because character reveals moral purpose and expose the class of a mans.

As a Black that have been at First Baptist for 4 years I have some concerns.

I agree and I was in church that Sunday in July hen Dr Stanley gave his 140 day speech. I was very disappointed that he used the pulpit to discuss politics, socialism and not The Word. I love him as a preacher/teacher/ But his political views are very Glenn Beck type.

I'm beginning to wonder it we are now seeing come form the shadows the real Dr Charles Stanley? ABRAHAM LINCOLN said "Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

If we look beyond the man and look at the people in leadership position at First Baptist. i do not see any People of Color in the Administration of First Baptist or even In Touch Ministries. Plenty of People of Color, Black, Latino, Asian, etc in service roles of Ushers, Parking attendants, Maintenance etc. Is he revealing his real character? Because character reveals moral purpose and expose the class of a mans.

As a Black that have been at First Baptist for 4 years I have some concerns.

The southern baptist are undoing all good reconciliation they have done between blacks and whites. Albert Mohler has said , basically, Hati deserved that earthquake. Peoples true colors are coming out.

Yeah, we "shouldn't" hold people of color accountable for anything! We "should" support abortion, ripping babies limb from limb and crushing their skulls with forceps in the womb, just because Obama supports it, and it's "more important" to support every black person on the planet than be concerned about what God says!